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Investigation into hit man request included video

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MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — An investigation into a 20-year-old West Michigan woman who later pleaded guilty to soliciting the murder of her 27-year-old husband included videotaped meetings with an undercover police detective.

On the video,JuliaCharleneMerfeldof Muskegon is heard telling the detective posing as a hit man that the killing would be "easier than divorcing him."Merfeldsaid that if he was killed she wouldn't have to worry about her family's judgment or "breaking his heart."

Merfeldpleaded guilty last month to soliciting a murder. She's jailed ahead of sentencing July 30 and is expected to face prison time.

Authorities say she wanted her husband's $400,000 life insurance policy, and promised to pay $50,000 for the killing.

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